Valentine's Day memories

By Barbara Lynch Hill

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Jim and I may not have had any Valentine’s Day memories at all if itweren’t for that first date -- which almost wasn’t. But on the 14th we will havecelebrated 59 of these occasions together. Well, almost together. It started when we were courting in 1953. We’ve observed this special day along theAtlantic and Pacific coasts a well as in the Midwest . We’ve exchanged heart-inspired cards in the south and in the north as well as in Europe, and evenwhen we were separated – such as when the Air Force sent him to Iceland andViet Nam, or he was sitting alert or away on TDY (Temporary Duty).We met on a train travelling from Illinois to Georgia for Christmas break.Most of us spent the journey in the club car getting acquainted and singingcarols. I spent all that time sharing a red leather booth with this really neatguy. When we reached Atlanta I got off and he went on to Augusta. Weshook hands and he said those three little words this college freshman wantedso much to hear: “I’ll call you.” Of course, back on campus, I told my college friends all about this briefencounter and we all waited for “the call.” I lived on my dorm’s fourth floorwith a couple dozen other students, all sharing two hall phones. Every time itrang there was a stampede to answer and the air vibrated with shoutssummoning the recipients.Finally! My name was called and about a dozen classmates followed meto the phone saying “This is it. This has to be it!” When I picked up thereceiver they encircled me, clasping hands and bobbing up and down. It washim! I gave them the thumbs up and they signaled a touchdown. They allhovered, eavesdropping and wanting to get the news first.“Well,” said my caller, “can you go out Saturday night?” Could I! But Irestrained myself from that enthusiastic response and allowed as how – inwhat I hoped was an offhand casual reply -- that it just might be possible.“Good!” he said, “Would you like to go to the basketball game and the dance –with my roommate?”As my heart sank, I fully understood the meaning of the term “dull thud.”Then I stuttered and stammered maturely while he added blithely, “Well I already had this date but I thought we could double – and you’ll really like Bill– and then we could spend a little time together.” I didn’t know whether Iwanted to hit him or hug him.But after all, he was tall and handsome. And after all I really didn’t have plans. So, after all, I mumbled “yes.” My friends, of course, were aghastand offered 12 different opinions of what I should have said and done – some ofthem not exactly Christian.Then two days later he called again and said would I mind going out withhim after all as he and his date had a fight and they cancelled out. He alsocancelled Bill out. This was in January. By February 14th we were a steadycouple and by summer, were engaged. We savor these memories every year atthis time. Try reminiscing next week with that special someone about how youmet.It really gives Cupid’s arrow an even better target.

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